This willowleaf cotoneaster variant makes an ideal dense growing groundcover that can serve to hold a steep slope together.

Morphology:Autumn Fire cotoneaster is a spreading evergreen semi-woody species that can reach a height of 2’ and a spread of up to 6’. Over time the horizontal stems will arch up and over one another, forming a dense carpet of leaves. The glossy green leaves are wrinkled in texture, and range in length from 1.5”- 3.5”, but are only .5” wide. The underside of the leaves are hairy and are covered by a whitish waxy material. During the winter the leaves take on a reddish purple color.

In May small white flowers appear in 1.5”- 2-inch wide clusters. These latter give rise to bright red berries that only attain a size .25”. These survive well into the fall supplying food for songbirds.

Adaptation:Prefers fertile, light textured soils, and either full or partial sun. West of the Cascades this groundcover grows very well forming a good drought tolerant lawn substitute.